Combination comb and brush



Sept. 4, 1945. L. HERNoN 2,383,967

COMBINATION COMB AND BRUSH Filed Jan.- 18, 1943 2 sheets-sheet 1 ZZ f "i" vnu" vHnuvwwuwmuwv"` Wil!" IHIINHIIIH! Hill llllll UMIII y f y g2b [om $223272, l

l' sept. 4, 1945. HERNON 2,383,967

COMBINATION COMB AND BRUSH Filed Jan. 18, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Mmmm www INVENTOR. Z072 ,He/nom @im @maw Patented Sept. 4, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT ol-'FlcE 2,383,967 COMBINATION COMB AND BRUSH Lon Hernon, Chicago, Ill. Application January 18, 1943, Serial No. 472,695 9 claims. (cl. 13s-ss) My invention relates to a combination comb and brush which performs the two-fold function of a comb and of a brush each time that it is drawn through the hair.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved construction of combined comb and brush in which the comb teeth first perform their function of straightening the strands of hair into a generally parallel relation and of opening furrows or parts between strands, after massaging and invigorating the scalp and the roots of the hair. The use of a comb alone, or the use of a brush alone, is not very eifective for massaging and invigorating the scalp and the roots of the hair. For example, the teeth of a comb have very little or no resiliency, and hence it is dimcult to utilize a comb alone to exert an ellective massaging or stimulating action on the scalp and hair roots Without the possibility of hurting or irritating the scalp. Furthermore, comb teeth are toc few and too far apart comresiliency to avoid hurting or irritating the scalp, but this very flexibility prevents the bristles from moderately heavy rows to massage the whereby each bristle is brought into resilient or flexing pressure against the scalp.

Another feature of my improved construction is that of utilizing the comb teeth as a gauge for predetermining the degree of resilient pressure that the bristles will exert against the scalp. Thus, when the device is held in a normal position and is passed through the hair with the comb teeth disposed substantially at right angles to the hair and scalp, the bristlesextend down slightly beyond the ends of the comb teeth so that the bristles bear against the scalp with a predetermined resilient or ilexing pressure which is gauged by the comb teeth.

According to one embodiment of my invention, this gauging of the flexing pressure exerted by the bristles is performed by a single line of comb teeth extending along one edge of the device.

According to another embodiment of my invention, this xmetic compartments embodied directly in the combined comb and brush.

Another feature of In the accompanying drawings illustrating these embodiments:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of my improved device ywherein the handle portion is in the form of a rat-tail for Womens use;

Figure 2A is a bottom plan view looking upwardly at the comb teeth and brush bristles; top plan view looking down on the top or horizontal mirror embodied in the back of the device;

Figure 4 is an outer end view of the device; Figure 5 is a fragmentary rear view showing the rear or vertical mirror embodied in the back edge of the device;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary bottom plan view, similar to Figure showing a modified construction wherein the bristles are arranged in tufts behind the comb teeth;

Figure 'I is a front elevational view, similar to Figure 1, showing a modified construction wherein the handle portion is in the form of a fine tooth comb instead of a rat-tail;

Figure 8 is a top plan view of a modified construction in which cosmetic compartments are formed directly in the back or main body portion of the device, these being normally covered by a hinged mirror which is adapted to be swung up to render the cosmetic compartments accessible;

Figure 9 is a transverse sectional view through one of these compartments;

Figure 10 is a bottom plan view of a reversible construction characterized by two spaced rows of comb teeth, one along each vertical edge of the device, and with the handle portion extend ing medially with respect to the two rows of comb teeth, whereby the device can be operated with either hand, and with a row of comb teeth always preceding the brush bristles in each instance;

Figure 11 is a transverse sectional view through such modified construction;

Figure 12 shows the modified construction in for womens use; l

Figure 13 shows the handle portion of such modified `construction in the form of a fine-tooth comb; l

Figure 14 is a top plan view, showing this modified reversible construction with cosmetic compartments formed directly in the back or body portion, similarly to Figure 8;

Figure 15 is a transverse sectional view through this latter construction; and

Figure 16 is an end elevational view of another embodiment of my invention.

Referring rst to Figures 1 to 9, inclusive, the combined comb and brush comprises a main body portion 2l from which extends a handle portion 22. The main body portion is formed with a row of downwardly extending comb teeth 23, behind which are rows of brush bristles 24. The ycomb teeth 23 are preferably moderately coarse, comparable in spacing to the spacing between the teeth of a conventional coarse comb, but it will be understood that these comb teeth may 'be made relatively fine if desired. The embodiments of Figures 1 to 9 employ only one row of comb teeth 23 and this row is formed along what may be regarded as the front edge of the body portion 2 I, i. e., that edge or side which is nearest the user when the handle portion 22 is grasped in the right hand. Thus, these comb teeth 23 will precede the brush bristles 24 when the device is held in the right hand and drawn backwardly or downwardly over the head, such being indicated by the directional arrow :c in Figure 4. Figure 4 diagrammatically illustrates the use of the device. The scalp is diagrammatically indicated at S, and the strands of hair are diagrammatically indicated at H. In drawing the combined comb and brush over thev head the comb teeth 23 precede the brushybristles 24 and form closely spaced furrows or parts in the hair H, reaching down substantially to the scalp S. The brush bristles 24 follow along in these furrows or parts and are thus able to reach the scalp so as to exert their massaging andstimulating action. on the scalp. The brush bristles are preferably made slightly longerthan the comb teeth so thatthey are under a slight ilexthe form of a rat-tail handle portion of such ing pressure when in engagement with the scalp, thereby flexing rearwardly as the device is drawn forwardly over the head. The comb teeth function as a gauge so as to approximately predeterrnine or limit'the degree of pressure which the bristles can exert against the scalp. The comb teeth are relatively blunt at their ends and there is a minimum possibility of the teeth cutting or abrading the scalp, but the brush bristles ar preferably quite stiff and are hence capable of cutting or scratching the scalp if used too vigorously. However, this is prevented or minimized by the functioning of the comb teeth as gauge devices.

Referring again to the details of construction, the body portion 2|, handle portion 22 and comb teeth 23 are shown formed as an integral unit, preferably composed of a plastic material, such as Lucite, or of vulcanite, hard rubber or other like material. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the handle portion 22 is in the form of a rat-tail 22a to be used in rolling a curl of hair about the finger, thereby rendering this embodiment particularly adapted to womens use. The bristles 24 are preferably fabricated of one of the new plastic compositions, such as are now extensively used in hair brushes, tooth brushes, etc., although it will be understood that these bristles might be of the animal variety if desired. The bristles are anchored in the body portion 2| in the molding of the device. Four rows of bristles are shown, but there may be a greater or lesser number of bristles if desired. The embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 employs sini gle bristles, as distinguished from tufts, and these single bristles are preferably aligned directly in back of the comb teeth 24, so that as each comb tooth opens a part or furrow in the hair the four bristles aligned directly behind that comb tooth will follow along in the part or furrow and will reach the scalp without hindrance from the hair, so as to agitato and stimulate the scalp.

In the modified embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 I have shown the bristles grouped in tufts 24a staggered in rows behind the comb teeth.

The bristles making up these tufts are preferably of irregular lengths, some longer and some shorter than the comb teeth. The spacing, size and number of tufts are preferably such that some of the longer bristles are bound to follow in the parts or furrows opened upI by each comb tooth 23.

At this juncture portion 26 between the head portion 2| and the handle portion 22 there may be formed two finger grip formations 21 arid 28. These curved finger grip formations are so located as to receive the first and second fingers 29 and 30 when the thumb 3| is extended along the forward edge of the device, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 3. The under side of this juncture portion 26, which joins the head portion 2| to the handle portion 22, is formed with a flat surface 32 (Figure 2) which is devoid of bristles 24, whereby the tip end of the firstfflnger 29 may be bent over this flat portion to insure a firm grip o f the device in the fingers.

Recessed into the back or top side of the body portion 2| is a mirror 33, as clearly shown in Figure 3. This mirror greatly adds to the utility of the device because it enables the user to see if the desired combing and brushing has been completed and whether the desired part or wave is in the hair.

enables the user to observe the action of the comb teeth and bristles in passing through the hair, as by standing in front of a large stationary mirror and observing the image of the hair, furrows and scalp, as reflected from the small rear mirror 34 to said large stationary mirror.

Figure 'I villustrates a modified construction wherein the handle portion 22 comprises fine comb teeth 22h, instead of being formed as a rattall. This latter embodiment is more particularly -intended for mens use. 'I'his fine tooth comb portion still serves very effectively as a handle for holding the device. In all other respects, this modified construction is identical with the above described embodiments, including the formation of the finger grip portions 21, 28 and 32, and the provision of the mirrors 33 and 34. It may have the bristles arranged singly (Figure 2) or in tufts (Figure 6).

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a further modification for womens use wherein either of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7 inclusive is provided with a unique arrangement of cosmetic compartments embodied directly in the body portion 2| of the combined comb and brush.` If desired, this main body portion 2| may be made slightly larger in depth and width to accommoprovision of companion pairs of date these compartments, but this is not essential. There are ments 31 and 38, and 4|. powder being are closed by individual covers 42 and 43, which set down against seating shoulders 44 formed around the upper perimeter of its respective compartment. A small knob or button 45 is secured to the top of each cover 42 and 43 to facilitate lifting the cover from the compartment, and a separate pu 46 is disposed below each cover. Referring now to the small compartments 39 and 4|, a lip-stick container 4l fits into the long compartment 39, and a perfume bottle 48 fits into the short compartment, these two compartments extending into the juncture portion 26 which joins the handle portion to the body portion. All four compartments are adapted to be closed across the top by a mirror 5| which is of a shape to cover all four compartments. This mirror is preferably of the hinged'type, having one longitudinal edge joined by a hinge 52 to one longitudinal edge of the body portion 2| so that the mirror can be swung up to the approximate position illustrated in Figure 8 for aifording easy access to all four compartments. A snap detent 54 projecting from the free edge of this mirror cover is adapted to snap into a depression 55 in the body portion 2| .to releasably hold the cover closed. Said mirror cover preferably consists of a sheet metal stamping which is chromium plated or nickel plated on both sides and polished to a, high luster. Thus, both sides of this hinged cover function as mirrors. As an alternative construction, the cover 5| may be a metallic frame having glass mirrors secured to opposite sides. As still another alternative construction, the cover 5| may bea slide cover adapted to slide into and out of closed position in guideways formed -along the longitudinal edges of the main body portion 2|.

Referring now to the reversible construction illustrated in Figures l0 to 15 inclusive, this modied construction comprises two rows of main comb teeth 23, 23', one row along each edge of the body portion 2 as clearly illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. 'I'hese two rows of comb teeth preferably two large compartand two small compartments 39 One large compartment is preferably for and the other for rouge, both preferably in cake form. These large compartments l right side of the head, or held prolongation of the center or median line of the head portion 2|, as shown in Figure 10. This handle portion'22 may be in the lform of a rattail 22a, as shown in Figure 12, or it may be in the form of a ne toothcomb portion 22h, as shown in Figure 13. The juncture 28 between the body portion 2| and handle portion 22 may be formed with curved flnger'grip surfaces 21,' 21' and 28, 28 on each side of the device. Correspondingly, a linger grip undersurface 32, 32' may be formed at each side of the device. Also, a fixed horizontal 'mirror 33 may be secured in the back of the structure, and fixed vertical mirrors 34 and 34' may be secured in the vertical edges.

It will be seen that by the provision of the two rows of comb teeth 23, 23', by the central location of the handle portion 22, and by the nger grip portions 27, 27 and 28, 2B' at opposite sides of the device, this reversible embodiment of comb and brush can be used'with equal facility when held in either hand. Irrespective of whether the device is held in the right hand and used on the in the left hand and used on the left side of the head, a row of `comb teeth 23 or 23 always precedes the bristles 24 for producing the aforementioned parts or furrows in the hair through which the bristles can reach the scalp. The bristles are slightly longer than the comb teeth, as described'above of the preceding embodiment. The two rows of comb teeth 23, 23' function as forwardly and rearwardly spaced gauge devices so that it is impossible to force the bristles downwardly against the scalp with such a heavy pressure that the scalp can be injured. That is to say, the two lines of gauge teeth 23, 23 always predetermine the degree of exing pressure with which the bristles can be pressed against the scalp, as shown in Figure 11, and it is impossible to increase this pressure by rocking the device forwardly or rearwardly around either row of comb teeth.

Figures 14 and l5 illustrate a modied construction in which the above described arrangement of cosmetic compartments is embodied in the reversible form of combined comb and brush. If desired, the main body portion 2l may be made slightly larger in depth and width than the preceding embodiment to accommodate these compartments, although this is not essential. As previously described, the two large compartments 3l and 38 for powder and rouge are provided with individual covers 42 and 43, and below these covers are the individual powder and rouge puffs 46. The two small compartments 39 and 4| are in this instance parallel, and receive the lipstick container 41 and perfume bottle 48. The hinged mirror-back 5| covers all four compartments when closed. As previously described, this mirror is preferably a metallic plate which is secured to opposite sides, and it might be a slide type of cover. The vertical edges of the body portion may be provided with the vertical mirrors 34, 34' to observe the action of the comb teeth and bristles. The hinged mirror back or cover 5I may also be utilized to observe the action of the comb teeth and brush bristles on the hair. Still further, this mirror cover` to see ii the hair is combed straight on the top of the head or at the back of the head, or if there are any undesired separations or parts in the hair at the top or back of the head. The hinge 52 is a snug friction hinge, and the ability to set the mirror cover at any desired angle and to use either side of the cover as a reflecting surface greatly extends the range oi usefulness .of this construction to see different parts of the head. It will be understood that in most instances the user will stand in front of a stationary mirror to view therein the reflection ol the image appearing in the mirror cover.

In Figure 16 I have illustrated a modified construction characterized by a relatively narrow width of main body portion 2 i. The bristles are shown as grouped in only two rows oi tufts 24a, the tufts oi/one row being staggered with respect to the tufts of the other row, substantially as shown in Figure 6. Alternatively, the bristles might be set singly, directly behind the comb teeth 23. The handle portion 22, either in the form of a rat-tail 22a or in the form of a linetooth comb 22b, extends in prolongation of the line of comb teeth 23, substantially as shown in Figures 1-7. The finger grip surfaces 21, 28

and 32 may be made smaller, or one of the curved surfaces 21, 28 may be eliminated.

As previouslyxremarked, the vertical or trailing edge mirror 34 of Figures l to 9, and these duplicate mirrors 3l, 34' of Figures 10` to 15, assist the user to observe the action of the comb teeth and bristles in passing through the hair. It frequently happens in the operation of combing and brushing the hair that numerous strands or locks of hair will lop over or vfall to one side or the other or stand out in unsightly disarray from the remainder of the hair. This may be due to crowns, cowlicks or swirls in the growth of the hair, or to careless combining and brushing. It is most likely to happen on those portions of the head not immediately visible in an ordinary front mirror, such as the top of the head, the top rear portion or the side rear portions of the head.

However, the trailing edge mirror or mirrors 34, 3|' alleviate much of this difficulty by enabling the user to observe the action of the comb teeth and bristles as they pass through the hair over these top, top rear, and side rear portions of the vhead not ordinarily visible when using only a single front mirror. The trailing edge mirror projects in a forwardly direction an image showing the relation of the strands of hair as the comb teeth and bristles are drawn rearwardly through the hair, this image being then visible in a. stationary mirror in front of the user. The trailing edge mirror, being set relatively high on the body portion of the device, and considerably above the level of the hair and scalp, gives a high point of reflection which enables the image to be seen even when the device is relatively far down the back or far around the sides of the head. The image can be seen further down or further around the back of the head by constructing the device with the trailing edge mirror 34 or 34' inclined in an upward and outward direction relatively to the body portion 2l or to the plane of the comb teeth 23 or 23', as shown in Figures 9 and 15. This inclination avoids the necessity of tipping the device in order to see the image when combing the 5l can be used s Vmade greater back or sides of the head. This same inclined mirror arrangement can be included in the other embodiments, and the angle o! the mirror can be than that shown, it desired. Such inclined mirror arrangement also enables the scalp at the back and sides of the head to be examined for dandrui as the teeth move through the hair. Similarly the hinged mirror 5I of Figures 8 and 14 can be utilized in this same capacity` for either direction or motion of the device through the hair, and can likewise be set at different angles to reect the image to better advantage.

While I have illustrated and described what I regard to be the preferred embodiments of my invention, nevertheless it will be understood that such aremerely exemplary and that numerous modifications andrearrangements may be made therein without departing from the essence of the invention.

I claim:

l. In a combined comb and brush, the combination -of a main body portion, a. row of.

comb teeth projecting downwardly from one edge of said body portion, a plurality of rows of brush bristles projecting downwardly from said body portion in substantially parallel relation to said comb teeth, the lower ends of said brush bristles extending substantially beyond the level of the lower ends of said comb teeth, whereby the comb teeth are adapted to create furrows in the hair and the brush bristles are adapted to follow in these furrows and engage the scalp with a resilient flexing pressure, said comb teeth also functioning as a gauge to minimize the likelihood of the bristles pressing too severely against the scalp, and a handle portion extending from said body portion substantially in the same plane with and in prolongation of said row of comb teeth.

2. In a combined comb and brush of small compact size capable of being carried in a pocket or purse, the combination of a main body portion, a row of comb teeth projecting downwardly from one edge of said body portion, a plurality of rows of brush bristles projecting downwardly from said body portion in substantially parallel relation to said comb teeth, the lower ends of said brush bristles extending substantially beyond the lower ends of said comb teeth, whereby the comb teeth are adapted to create furrows in the hair and the brush bristles are adapted to follow in these furrows and engage the scalp with a resilient flexing pressure, said comb teeth also functioning as a gauge to minimize the likelihood of the bristles pressing too severely against the scalp, and a rat-tail handle portion extending from said body portion substantially in the same plane with and in prolongation of said row of comb teeth.

3. In a combined comb and brush of small compact size capable of being carried in a pocket or purse, the combination of a main body portion, a row of comb teeth projecting downwardly from one edge of said body portion, a plurality of rows of brush bristles projecting downwardly from said body portion in substantially parallel relation to said comb teeth, the lower ends oi said brush bristles extending slightly beyond the level of the lower ends of said comb teeth, whereby the comb teeth are adapted to create turrows in the hair and the brush bristles are adapted to follow in these furrows and engage the scalp with a. resilient flexing pressure, a handle portion extending fro-m said body portion along a line substantially in the same plane with and in Prolongation of said row of comb teeth,`

and

body portion substantially'inthefsame plane 1 1111861 grip portions atvth'efilmcturebetween/said body portion and said handle portion forming curved indentations for receiving thetlngers when the hand is closed over saidvhan'dle portion.

4. In a combined comb and brush of small compact size capable ot being carried in a pocket or purse, vthe combination of 'a' main body portion, a row of comb teeth projecting downwardly from one edge of said body portion, a` plurality of rows of brush bristlesv projecting 'downwardly from said body portion' in substantially Dlallel relation to said comb teeth,` thelowerends oi said brush. bristlesextending slightly beyond the level of the .lower ends oi said comb teeth, whereby the comb teeth are adapted toi. create furrows in the hair and the brush bristles are adaptedto follow in these furrows 'and engage the scalp `with a resilient exing pressure, `said combv teeth also functioning as a gauge to the likelihood ot the bristles `pressing too severely against the scalp, and .a mirror y mounted in one edge of said body-portion and inclined upwardly and outwardly relatively to the plane of said comb teeth, said mirror enabling'the userto observe the action of the comb teeth and lbristles on the' hair jby viewedge mirror and as reilected from mirror.

5. In a combined comb and brush, the combination of a main body portion, a row of comb teeth projecting downwardly from one edge of said body portion, a plurality of rows oi brush bristles pro- -looting downwardly from said body portion in substantially parallel relation to said comb teeth, the lower ends of saidl brush bristles extending substantially beyond the level of the lower ends of said comb teeth, whereby the comb teeth are adapted to create fui-rows in the hair and the brush bristles are adapted to follow in these fura secondary rows and engage the scalp with a resilient flexing pressure, 'said comb teeth also functioning as a gauge to minimize the likelihood of the bristles pressing too severely against the scalp, a handle portion extending from said body portion subing the image thereof appearing in said trailing` stantially parallel to said row oi comb teeth, and

e trailing edge mirror mounted in the rear edge oi said body portion and inclined upwardly and outwardly relatively to the plane of said colmi teeth, said mirror enabling the userto observe tho'aotioo of the comb teeth and bristles on the hair by. vieg the image thereof appearing in said trailing edge mirror and as reected from e secondary r.

6, ln" a combined comb and brush of small compact size Gamble of being carried in a pocket or purse, the cobination of a main body portion, a row o comb teeth projecting downwardly from one edge oi seid body portion, a plurality oi' rows oi brush bristles projecting downwardly from said body portion in substantially parallel relation to'said comb teeth, said brush bristles being set singly in single me rows substantially/aligned behind said comb teeth, the lower ends of said brushbristles extending substantially'beyond the level of the lower ends of said comb teeth, whereby the comb teeth are adapted' to create furrows in the hair and the brush bristles are adapted to follow in these urrows and engage the scalp with a resilient exing pressure, said comb teeth also functioning as a sauge to'minimize the likelihood oi the bristles pressing too severely `against the and'in prolongation '7'. In a combined row oi comb teeth projecting-downwardly vfrom one' edge of said body portion, a plurality oi' rows of brush bristles projecting downwardly from said body portion in substantially parallel relation to said comb teeth, said brush bristles being set singly in single ille rows substantially aligned behind said comb teeth, the lower ends of saidbrush bristles extending substantially beyond the level of the lower ends of said comb teeth, where- A.

mirror mounted in the rear edgeA of said portion and inclined upwardly and outwardly relatively to the plane of said comb teeth, said mirror enabling'the user to observe the action` of the comb teeth and bristles on the hair by viewing the image'thereof appearing in said trailing edge mirror and as renected from' a secondary mirror.

. 8. In a combined comb and brush, the combination of a main, body portion. a row of comb teeth projecting downwardly from one edge oi said body portion( a plurality of rows of'brush bristles projecting downwardly from said body portion in substantially parallel relation to said comb teeth, said brush briles being set'in tufts and said tufts being arranged behind said comb teeth, the lower ends of said brush bristles extending substantially beyond the level oi the lower ends of said comb teeth, whereby the comb teeth are adapted to create furrows in the hair and the brush bristles are adapted to iollow in these furrows and engage the scalp with a resilient nexing pressure, said comb teeth also functioning as a gauge to minimize the likelihood o? the bristles pressing too severely against the scalp, and a handle portion extending from said body portion substially. in the same plane with and Y in prolongation of said row of comb teeth.

9. in e. combined comb and brush, the Vcombination of a main body portion, a row of comb` teeth projecting downwardly from one edge of said body portion, a plurality of brush bristles projecting downwardly from said body portion in substantially parallel relation to said comb teeth. said brush bristles being set in tufts and said tufts being arranged :in staggered rows behind said comb teeth. the lower ends of said brush bristles extending substantially beyond the level of the lower ends of said comb teeth, whereby the comb teeth are'adapted to create furrows in the hair and the brush bristles are adapted to follow in these iurrows and engage the scalp with a resilient ilexing pressure, said comb teeth also functioning as a gauge to minimize the likelihood of the bristles pressing too severely against the scalp, and a handle portion extending fromv said body portion substantially in the same plane with and in prolongation or said row of comb teeth.

nos muon.

Pact size capable of Vbeing carried ina pocket or 1 purse, the combination of. a main body portion, a 

